John Henson, son of Muppets creator, dies in NY

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (AP) — John Henson, the son of the late Muppets creator Jim Henson, has died in New York. He was 48.

Cheryl Henson said her brother died of a “massive heart attack” at his home in Saugerties on Friday. She said it happened after he had been building an igloo in the snow with his daughter.

Henson followed in his famous father’s footsteps as a puppeteer, performing as Sweetums the ogre in several films, including “Muppet Treasure Island” and “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.” He was also a shareholder and board member of the Jim Henson Co.

Henson leaves behind his wife, Gyongyi, and two daughters, ages 10 and 15. A private funeral service is planned.